HomeFront

In Support of Nutrition Programs
The Times Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June 10, 2010
Turner joins nonprofit leaders to abolish funding cuts

LAWRENCE - State Sen. Shirley Turner (D-15th) joined local nonprofit leaders for a press conference yesterday at the charity HomeFront, calling for the abolition of proposed state funding cuts for child nutrition programs.

According to a joint press release from the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition, HomeFront and the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, Gov. Christie's budget proposal includes cutting $3 million in state funding for school breakfast programs and $2.5 million for school lunch assistance.

Some schools might decide to scrap breakfast programs considered vital to keep children well fed and attentive in school, said Adele Latourette, director of the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition, who also spoke at the conference. "We have to pay attention to this."

When asked about a source of funding to restore the support, Turner suggested implementing a millionaire's tax -- in reference to Christie's veto last month of a Democratic-led plan to impose an income tax surcharge on the wealthiest people in New Jersey.

"I think it's only fair that those who are making the most should sacrifice the most, and those who are making the least sacrifice the least," she said.

Latourette explained that federal funding for school breakfast and lunch programs is actually being increased by the Obama administration, while the opposite is being proposed at the state level.

The state currently funds a portion of free or reduced-cost lunch programs for families who qualify, as well as enhancements to school breakfast programs, which allows for better-quality meals to be offered to students each morning.

According to Latourette, the cuts could also result in a price increase for students whose families do not qualify for nutrition programs, an estimated 75 cents per lunch.

"This is not an insignificant increase to families all across the state," she said.

Patricia Wendell, principal at Slackwood Elementary School, Lawrence, said children have trouble learning on an empty stomach. With a nutritious breakfast and lunch, she explained, students perform better in school.

"Then, they are ready to learn," she said. "It's as simple as that."

Wendell has seen more students at her school requiring free or reduced-cost lunches in the past year.

Also present was Tonya Hunter, a parent whose four children are able to receive assistance through breakfast and lunch programs

"A lot of children don't have the money to pay; their parents can't pay for it," she said. Hunter is a bus driver, but she feels so strongly that these cuts should be reversed that she took the day off to speak during the press conference.

"Right now, I'm struggling," she said. "(The funding) helps me a lot. It helps a lot of people you don't think need it."

In November, Trenton public schools joined Newark and Camden in beginning a universal school breakfast program, which provides a meal each morning to all students, regardless of their families' economic status. According to Latourette, this trend is indicative of a nationwide push for such programs in urban environments.

"This is going to put a damper on the progress we have already made," said Trenton Superintendent Rodney Lofton, reflecting on the size of the current program throughout the district. According to the release, Trenton schools could lose $50,000 in funding.

"I'm just hoping and praying that this governor and this Legislature learn what we know, that a child is entitled to nutritious meals (every) day," Turner said.

Delayed Opening Today--March 2, 2015

March 02, 2015
HomeFront will open at 11:00 a.m. today, March 2 due to inclement weather.

HomeFront to Open at 11 a.m. Today Feb. 17

February 17, 2015
HomeFront will have a two-hour delayed opening today, Feb.17 due to inclement weather. We will open at 11 a.m. However, please check back at this site in case of a possible further delay.

Delayed Opening Today--Feb. 10, 2015

February 10, 2015
HomeFront will open today at 10:30 a.m. due to inclement weather.

TEAM UP to Support Our 5K Run/Walk
January 30, 2015
Team up with your friends, classmates, family and co-workers to ensure homeless and at risk children can have the summer of their lives at HomeFront's summer camp. On May 30, 2015 HomeFront will hold the 7th annual Run/Walk for Hope. Proceeds will support our summer camp program.

Thank You, But....

December 08, 2014
Now that we are in the middle of being Santa's Workshop to help our families for the holidays, we cannot accept any more donations of used items until after January 6th. Thank you for your support!

Child Homelessness Hits Record High
November 20, 2014
Child Homelessness Hits Record High
New Jersey 101.5. Nov. 19, 2014--An alarming number of children in the U.S. were homeless at some point last year. According to the latest report from the National Center on Family Homelessness, the issue hit a record high – 2.5 million children, or 1 in every 30.

Food Crisis During the Holidays
November 18, 2014
A food crisis looms over the State of New Jersey which is forcing struggling working poor families to make tough decisions--pay for heat or pay for food.

How Many in Your Town Struggle to Make Ends Meet
September 15, 2014
NJ.com Sept. 14, 2014--A new report from the United Way of Northern New Jersey shows that 38 percent of state households are struggling to meet basic needs with the high cost of living in the Garden State.

WorkFirst Announces 24 Job Placements

September 09, 2014
WorkFirst staff proudly congratulates HomeFront's 24 clients who have successfully landed jobs over the last two months. It just goes to show how perseverance, a great resume, good interviewing skills and the right qualifications pay off!

Over 1000 Kids Receive Backpacks!
September 09, 2014
This year, over 1,600 kids went back to school ready to learn. HomeFront's Back to School Campaign provided backpacks loaded with school supplies and a brand new outfit including tennis shoes.

Kalpana Patel Photography on Exhibit at West Windsor Libray
July 21, 2014
Kalpana Patel's beautiful photographs are currently on exhibit at the West Windsor branch of the Mercer County Library during the month of July. Kalpana is generously donating all proceeds of the sale of her photographs to HomeFront! For more information, visit http://kapupatelp

Author, Vouches for Importance of Summer Camps
July 01, 2014
Regina Calcaterra, memoir author, knows about homelessness because she was homeless. In her book, Etched in Sand, she recounts the harsh conditions from which she not only survived, but grew strong and hugely successful.

Cherry Tree Club Proudly Sends Preschoolers to Kindergarten

June 26, 2014
We have proudly graduated our rising kindergarteners and wish them success in the next chapter of school! Because of the increase in homelessness, we are lovingly serving dozens of additional kids.

Dictionary Donation
March 07, 2014
Every year, the Hamilton Grange generously donates enough dictionaries so that children in our Family Preservation Center tutoring programs can have their very own copies.

HomeFront Has Delayed Opening Today

March 03, 2014
HomeFront will open today, Mar. 3, at 10:30 due to inclement weather.

HomeFront has Delayed OpeningToday

February 18, 2014
Due to inclement weather, HomeFront will open today, Feb. 18, at 10:30 a.m.

2-Hour Delayed Opening Wed., Feb. 5

February 05, 2014
HomeFront will open at 11:00 today, February 5.

HomeFront Closed Today

February 03, 2014
Due to the snow, HomeFront will be closed today–Monday, February 3.

Two Hour Delayed Opening Jan. 22

January 21, 2014
Due to the snow, HomeFront will open at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 22. Check back at this site after 10 a.m. for updates.

HomeFront Closed Today

January 03, 2014
We're closed today due to inclement weather. Please be safe.

HomeFront Closed Dec. 10

December 10, 2013
We're closed today for non-critical services. All volunteers and non-essential staff, please stay home and stay safe.

ArtJam Opens Nov. 14
November 11, 2013
For the fourth year in a row, artists from HomeFront’s ArtSpace program will be featured alongside national and other local artists in a pop-up art exhibit that is fast becoming a Princeton tradition.

Holiday Book Drive to Benefit HomeFront
November 18, 2012
Barnes & Noble stores across the country invite customers to give the gift of reading to children in need during its annual Holiday Book Drive, taking place from November 1, 2012 to January 1, 2013.

After Sandy, NJ's Homeless Population at Greater Risk
November 05, 2012
By Hank Kalet: NJ Spotlight.......
Shelters and soup kitchens across the state sustain significant damage –
The devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy as it roared through New Jersey last week was impossible to miss: multimillion-dollar homes collapsed like a house of cards, boats berthed on NJ Transit train tracks, much of the Jersey shore reduced to rubble.

Indian Classical Music Fundraiser Concert Set for Sept. 29
September 26, 2012
On Saturday, Sept. 29 at 4:30 p.m. there will be a concert of Indian classical music featuring internationally known artists at Bridgewater Temple Auditorium, located on Route 202/206. Tickets are available online at http://www.sangamfestival.org/events.html and also can be purchased at the door for the suggested donation of $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Rebuilding Souls
August 13, 2012
ArtSpace offers clients confidence to get back on their feet
DATE POSTED: Monday, July 2, 2012 10:55 AM EDT
By Ilene Dube, Special Writer, Princeton Packet.
Even on a gray and dreary day, the space HomeFront’s Family Preservation Center occupies — in a former dormitory of the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf in West Trenton — is alive with color.

Skateboarder Jake McNichol Coaches Summer Campers
August 13, 2012
Skate not Hate camp was run by Jake McNichol at Camp Good Times on July 16 - 20. First, Jake equipped the 10 campers ages 11-14 with all the information they needed to learn to skateboard.

Run for Hope––A Huge Success!
May 15, 2012
Thank you to all 400 plus people who came out to run and walk on a gorgeous day at the beautiful ETS campus.

Sponsor Bernice!
April 24, 2012
HomeFront’s own queen mother is racing again this year! Bernice Roud, mother of Connie Mercer, and guiding light to hundreds of other HomeFront staff, donors and friends, will be at the starting line on May 12 at ETS when the horn sounds off and hundreds of runners race in HomeFront’s Run for Hope. She will be right in the middle of the pack for the 1Mile Walk and will greet the cheering crowd as she crosses the finish line! So let’s cheer her on now by clicking here to sponsor her again this year!

Rentals Remain 'Out of Reach"
April 23, 2012
The results of the 2012 Out of Reach Study were recently unveiled at a special media event at HomeFront. The comprehensive report provides the housing wage and other housing affordability data for every state, metropolitan area, combined non-metropolitan area, and county in the country.

Hoops for HomeFront
April 01, 2012
Come watch students versus parent and teachers play basketball. The BIG game is sponsored by the Lambertville Basketball Association with T-shirts donated by Dave Decoff.

Stuff the Truck!

January 31, 2012
Help us collect food donations on March 3 and 4 at the ShopRite of Lawrenceville (Mercer Mall). We need volunteers to help advocate for HomeFront at our special table inside the store. Contact Lynn at 609-989-9417 ext 133 or at getinvolved@homefrontnj.org.

2010-2011 Annual Report Available
October 30, 2011
HomeFront's Annual Report honors our community of supporters and highlights the scope of our mission. Click above to read the annual report and on the attached pdf for a list of additional donors.

Tyco Helps Families Make a House a Home

October 19, 2011
Moving into a home is a big first step for homeless families. But it takes a couch to sit on, a table to have meals together and lamps to do homework by--all things that make a house a home. With support from Tyco, HomeFront's Resource Network serves over 3,000 families a year making each home a special place.

Skateboarder Jake McNichol Launches Fundraiser. Help A HomeFront Camper Learn to Skateboard!
September 22, 2011
Jake McNichol, founder of Skate Not Hate, is a senior straight-A student at George School in Newtown, PA.
Jake, who lives in Ewing, approached HomeFront about running the camp in 2011 in hopes of providing kids living in urban areas with a fun, challenging activity they can enjoy year-round at home. He hopes skating will help kids to feel proud and to develop a positive focus despite the many challenges they face.

Back to School Campaign Kicks Off
June 09, 2011
HomeFront’s Back-to-School campaign that started 20 years ago, ensures that homeless children in Mercer County start school off on the right foot. Homeless kids have so many stigmas and obstacles to overcome. They need as much support as possible–especially on the all important first day of school. Thanks to a community-wide effort, kids have new tennis shoes, clothes, school supplies and backpacks to begin the school year. Read more...

A Summer Hunger Message from Sunny,Our Director of Program Support Services

May 20, 2011
Summer is a tough time for families who come to our food pantry. Families must adjust their grocery needs to ensure that children who are on summer vacation get breakfast and lunches which ordinarily would be provided by the school.

One Room at a Time—Helping One Family at a Time
May 12, 2011
Home decorator and Princeton resident Anne Battles does more than ‘re-do’ rooms. She’s doing makeovers for HomeFront residents in one our multi-unit buildings. Her first challenge is the home of a mother with two teenage kids.

Run For Hope Race Results In
May 10, 2011
The third annual HomeFront Run for Hope was a huge success. The sunny skies enticed over 450 people to come out to support the event and help local families in need. Click here to see the race results. Like us on Facebook and check out the race photos.

Clients Speak OutMeet Rachel
April 11, 2011
How can homelessness happen? And who are the homeless in Mercer County? Following is the first of a series of interviews with Home Front clients who explain how they became homeless. These are real stories from real people.

URGENT NEED

April 03, 2011
HomeFront has an urgent need for dressers, small couches and kitchen tables. These are all important items that make a home home. Please help! Go to Get Involved, and click on 'Go Green.'

Powerful and Sad Numbers
March 16, 2011
The 2010 Census revealed the grim economic story for Trenton households headed by single females with young children who fall below the federal poverty limit. The number of these households with children under the age of 5 (the majority of families we see) grew from 1,011 households in poverty in 2000 to 6,859 families in 2010, or from 41% to 68.7% .

60 Minutes––Hard Times Generation: Homeless Kids
March 15, 2011
Last week 60 Minutes aired a segment that spoke eloquently, and heartbreakingly, about the pain homelessness inflicts on children. While these children live in Florida, not too long ago these same stories played out right here in Mercer County.

Something to Smile About
March 11, 2011
For the last two years, the staff of the Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics have taken a day to give back to our community by putting a bright healthy smile on the faces of local homeless children living at the HomeFront Family Preservation Center in Ewing.

Poker Tournament and Casino Night Slated for Feb. 25
January 04, 2011
The annual Poker Tournament and Casino Night to benefit HomeFront families will be held from 8 p.m. until midnight on February 25, 2011 at the Hamilton Manor at 30 Route 156 in Hamilton, NJ.

Back Dock Alert from Furnish the Future!

December 11, 2010
We are preparing Santa’s Warehouse and will not be accepting furniture and household donations at the dock on December 20 – 27. We will resume accepting donations on December 28th at noon.

HomeFront Feeds Over 6,000
December 01, 2010
HomeFront extends a warm thank you to the overwhelming generosity of the community in making Thanksgiving truly special for local need famiies.

Losing for Good
November 26, 2010
Four local Mercer County Weight Watchers groups joined the fight against two global epidemics – hunger and obesity – by participating in the Third Annual Lose for Good campaign. As the members lost weight, they also collected food to donate to HomeFront to help their neighbors in need.

Share, Shop, Give
November 15, 2010
HomeFront's Women's Initiative will be hosting its new annual Share, Shop, Give event on Thursday, December 2 from 7 p.m. -10:30 p.m. at Greenacres Country Club at 2170 Lawrenceville Rd in Lawrenceville.

Thanksgiving Drive Kicks Off
October 08, 2010
Last Thanksgiving, over 6,000 needy parents and children experienced the joy of a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Best of all, they were able to do this at home–together as a family–and that is because of the extraordinary volunteer effort.

Generations, A Fine Art Exhibit to Benefit HomeFront Families Slated for 9/24-10/10
August 15, 2010
A fine art exhibit, Generations, featuring the works of Jill Sacalis Turndorf, John Sacalis, Joy Sacalis and Ben Turndorf will be held September 24 through October 10 in Palmer Square. One-half of all of the proceeds from the show will go to benefit HomeFront to provide food, housing, education and other services to homeless families.

Help HomeFront Win $25,000!!!
June 09, 2010
HomeFront been selected as one of the finalists in Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Innovation Awards.
You and other friends and supporters can help us win $25000 to fund our programs to ensure that children of homeless families have adequate, nutritious meals and live healthy, active lives. All you have to do, starting on Friday, June 11, is visit the following link and vote for us!

A Favorite Clown Visits HomeFront
June 01, 2010
Ronald McDonald House Charities awarded us a grant for a new bus for the Cherry Tree Club. The big clown himself came last Monday for a photo op with the bus. Ronald then stayed and put on a show for the kids from Cherry Tree Club and other children who were at the Family Preservation Center.

The Run is On (Rain or Shine)

May 07, 2010
Almost 400 people have signed up for the Run for Hope Run/Walk tomorrow (Saturday, May 8) morning. The run will go forward rain or shine. We hope to see you all there for a wonderful time. You may sign up at the event for $25. For more details, go to http://www.homefrontnj.org/5KWalkRun-2009.cfm.

Dental Day at HomeFront
April 15, 2010
On Saturday, April 10, the staff of the Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics opened their office to 20 children of HomeFront families for check-ups, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments and individual dental hygiene classes.

Princeton University to Host ArtSpace Exhibit
April 04, 2010
The Bernstein Gallery at Princeton University will host an art exhibit featuring artists from HomeFront’s ArtSpace April 10 through June 25. The exhibit, entitled How You See Me, is an innovative, compelling exhibit of HomeFront client works about how others see them and how they see themselves.

FPC Celebrates its 7th Birthday!
March 03, 2010
On Wednesday, Mar. 3, our HomeFront community celebrated the seventh anniversary of the Family Preservation Center in West Trenton. For seven years, the FPC has given food, shelter and support to help over 1000 families break the cycle of poverty. At the same time, they honored the service of Thora Faigle, the director of the FPC and marked her retirement. Click to WBZN story.

LAST CHANCE!
Be the Ace in Our Hand!
February 18, 2010
Join us at Salt Creek Grille for the HomeFront Annual Poker Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 21. lt begins at 5 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a silent auction and a spectacular live auction featuring items from Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson. The poker tournament will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and conclude by 10 p.m. The winner will receive a trophy and $500 gift card. Tournament players must reserve a seat as soon as possible. Space is limited. The cost to play is $55. Entry fee (non-players) for the evening is $35. Click here to register.

Thank You Cheeburger Cheeburger!
January 25, 2010
HomeFront held a Holiday Break Mini Program for their client children age 5-13. After attending the movies to see The Princess and the Frog, the children were treated to a free lunch at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Lawrenceville.

Our HIGH Priority Need
January 06, 2010
A truck! Not just a regular pick up truck, but a truck to pick and deliver furniture, appliances and other donations that help our families settle into a home of their own.

YPAC Teams Up with Shady Brook Farms for Christmas Tree Sale!
November 15, 2009
Shady Brook Farms is offering a new way to give back to HomeFront NJ/Young Professionals Alliance Committee.

Holiday Card Fundraiser
Showcases Art of Local Homeless Mothers
November 02, 2009
The artistic talents of homeless Mercer County mothers grace the covers of holiday cards offered for sale by HomeFront. Proceeds from the sale of these cards will help fund programs for the families living in the Family Preservation Center, a HomeFront shelter in Ewing.

Drive of the Month

October 06, 2009
Bath towels, washcloths and kitchen towels.

YPAC Needs Volunteers
October 05, 2009
On Saturday, October 10th at 5:30 PM, HomeFront YPAC members will be collecting donations from Your Child and Mine Consignment.

HomeFront and Men’s Wearhouse Team Up for National Suit Drive
August 18, 2009
Concerned that thousands of men are unable to secure employment because they lack the initial, yet vital, step of looking presentable for a job interview, HomeFront and Men’s Wearhouse are working together to collect men's professional attire as part of the 2nd Annual National Suit Drive, September 1-30.

Is It A Crime To Be Poor?
August 12, 2009
As the recession creates more poverty, what has happened to reason and compasssion?

Job Opportunities
August 09, 2009
Click here to review our open positions. It might be a job of a lifetime!

Triumph Brewery Hosts Art Exhibit

July 15, 2009
Be sure to visit Triumph Brewing Company in Princeton from now till September 19 to view HomeFront's ArtSpace Art Exhibit featuring wonderful works from HomeFront clients/artists. Art may be purchased. Join us for a reception on August 11 at 7 p.m.

Volunteer Orientation-Oct. 7

May 06, 2009
1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville. 6 p.m.

Send A Smile, Receive A Smile
February 16, 2009
Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Company with locations in Princeton and Yardley routinely bring smiles to the faces of HomeFront children as their balloons have been a special element in birthday celebrations.

HomeFront Rehabs Houses in Hopewell Township
The Times, July 8, 2010

July 08, 2008
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - Two years ago, the two buildings at 449 Scotch Road sat dilapidated and abandoned. Now, with the help of HomeFront, Hopewell Township and Mercer County, they are set to house three low-income families.